Published in the June 4, 2018 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Coming together as a sea of red for the final time, the Class of 2018 officially entered the next phase of life Saturday morning following commencement exercises held inside the high school’s Charbonneau Field House.
The 268 graduates in this year’s Wakefield Memorial High class celebrated the successful completion of their local education during a ceremony that was long on both their future’s promise and a reflection on what they have been through together.
In his speech, Class Valedictorian Christopher Bossi talked of turning a dream — represented by the construction of a roller coaster — into reality. And more. The roller coaster, Bossi said, is really “about the attitude we bring to life as we move on from this place. Most of us will be going to college. Some of us will be headed straight to our careers, or joining the military. But our days of state-mandated education have drawn to a close, and without our parents, or teachers, and other grown-ups — I say grown-ups because three quarters of us are now adults, but I don’t think any of us are grown-ups — watching over our shoulders, we have some decisions to make about how we’re going to approach this world we’re entering….(W)e’re already doing some great things, and as we spread our wings we’re going to be able to do even more. But we’re also going to run into tough times, and tasks we have to struggle to get through. And the question I want to ask all of you is: what attitude are you going to bring?”
By the end of his address, Bossi knew the answer. “(W)e are the face of the new millennium, and we’re going to set the world on fire.”
The Class of 2018 entered the field house to the traditional processional “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1” performed by the Wakefield Memorial High School Band under the direction of Thomas Bankert.
Kaia Carioli, president of the Class of 2018, offered the welcome address.
She said, in part: “Though we won’t take the same paths going forward, we will have many of these same universal moments. The reason why everyone tells you with confidence that ‘these four years fly by’ is because they underwent this same human experience. In spite of the fact that these human experiences aren’t specific to us, and this class, we must decide what to conjure from them. During your time in and in between these human experiences, ask yourself now and forever: What depths do you want to add to your persons? What layers do you want to add to your legacies? I believe in change, because I believe in your answers to these questions. And that’s why I stand here as confident as I have ever been that the state of our union is strong.”
Supt. of Schools Dr. Kim Smith delivered her final graduation address here, as did Wakefield Memorial High Principal Richard Metropolis.
With the field house packed with family members and other well-wishers, the high school’s Chamber Singers performed the National Anthem and “A Million Dreams.”
After that, Class Essayist Matthew Blois talked of a few ways to achieve continued to success.
“I’m going to throw some cliches at you so that you can get the idea of what I’m talking about,” he said. “‘Hard work is what happens when nobody’s looking.’
“‘It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down, what matters is how many times you get up.’
“‘You’ll miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.’
“The fact of the matter is that there is actually some truth in these things. In fact, my whole speech would be useless if we all got what we wanted on the first try. Sometimes you may want something. Sometimes you may be doing what it takes to make it happen. But there is always the chance it won’t work — but that isn’t important. What matters is not stopping. I cannot tell you how many times I considered quitting. Not just on the small scale of stopping a workout early or not passing in a homework, but on a much larger scale. There were days I couldn’t understand why I continued to push myself so hard. Despite these feelings, I refused to quit, keeping my eye on the prize.”
In an emotional address, Class Salutatorian Anna McCormack talked of inclusion and the eventual sense that she “belonged.”
She said, in part, that “While our society stresses the importance of individuality and self-sustainability, it is important to recognize the people around us. Sometimes having a place where you truly belong and people who can help you grow is life-changing. As we leave high school, I encourage us all to meet new people and go beyond our horizons. I encourage us all to make a difference to not only yourself but for someone new.
“I would like to thank all the people who have supported me throughout the years: my friends, teachers, and family. It has been an incredible four years and I am so happy to have shared this experience with you.”
Class Vice President Talia Gebhard passed along the symbolic key to the incoming senior class at Wakefield Memorial High.
She said, “To me, this key symbolizes the many ways that this school has unlocked potential inside each and every one of us. However, standing before you, two specific ways come to mind. You see, when I was younger, I didn’t quite understand why I was learning specific subjects in such extreme depths in all of my classes. I was doubtful I would use all of the information I was being taught ‘in the real world.’ In response my dad would say, ‘As much as the subjects matter, it’s about more than that. They are teaching you how to learn.’ Quite frankly, this notion blew me away. It made me realize the value of each day in this community, as we unknowingly expanded our ability to learn. As we go our separate ways, this ability will be a tool for overcoming obstacles. Whether you must learn how to navigate during rush hour traffic or learn how to collaborate with those from all walks of life, this tool will always be of great value. The second skill that comes to mind is the ability to be kind. Each member of this community, both inside and outside of these school walls, has taught us how to be kind to others. I don’t just mean greeting-someone- in-the-halls kind, I mean genuinely kind hearted.
“This past year, I fell up the stairs and was extremely embarrassed. I wanted to cry until a classmate looked at me and said, ‘Don’t worry, everybody falls sometimes.’ This one sentence made my embarrassment disappear and his kindness went further than he imagined it would. Over the years, our families, peers, and high school faculty have led by example and shown us just how much being truly kind can make a difference. To me, this key symbolizes our immense growth and potential as lifelong learners and compassionate individuals.”
Secretary of the Class of 2018 Domenic McArthur presented the Class Banner, which was created by the talented artist Mary Tannian.
McArthur said, “The banner depicts a flourish of seeds all originating from a singular dandelion. Each descendant of this flower will find its path towards a new home and a new way of life. They settle in an unfamiliar environment and, in a gentle way, begin to shake the world.
“Each student in the Class of 2018 is one of these seeds, containing the potential to make a powerful impact. But, no impact is significant without the help of others. Although we may all be going our separate ways this fall, remember that your peers, your classmates, and your friends are shaking the world along with you. Find your environmental niche but know that you are the representation of the thing that inspired and educated you. Spread your own roots but remember the old ones that nurtured and provided for your growth.
“Each seed on this banner is the same, but in a subtle way they are all different. Similarly, our class is made up of a diverse group of students bound to be accepting of the array of cultures that the world has to offer. In a difference sense, our class is all the same. We aren’t 269 individual seniors, we aren’t 26 students in an English class, and we aren’t 18 athletes on a tennis team. We’re one person, peer, and participant of this school and of this world ready to plant ourselves and make an impact.”
Two hundred sixty eight seniors then collected their diplomas as families photographed the milestone moment. Mortarboards were tossed in the air and the ceremony ended with “Fanfare and Recessional,” performed by the high school band.